I want to nominate Isabella Coley for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary care she provided to my boyfriend’s mother. She was a fiercely independent single mother who fought a long, hard battle with colon cancer. She had a vibrant spirit—boisterous, sporty, and full of laughter. She loved the beach, and above all, she admired people who were confident in their craft.

When my boyfriend's mother was transferred from the ER to the third floor, we were overwhelmed and anxious. This floor was not typically designated for hospice or palliative care, but since no beds were available on a dedicated unit, we found ourselves there. Despite this, Isabella never made us feel like my boyfriend's mother was out of place. She handled everything with expertise, compassion, and confidence far beyond her years. Although she was incoherent and in the process of passing away, Isabella treated her with the utmost respect and care. She wasn’t afraid to raise her voice to try and get a reaction from my boyfriend's mother—something we hesitated to do in a hospital setting. Isabella's assertiveness reassured us that she was receiving the best care possible.

Isabella answered every question we had, offering straightforward guidance that was free from medical jargon. She took the time to show us the pain scale for nonverbal patients, explaining each subtle cue that would indicate discomfort and when more pain medication was needed. Because of her, we felt safe enough to leave for the night to get some rest, knowing my boyfriend's mother was in the most capable hands.

We know that my boyfriend's mother would have absolutely loved Isabella—because we did too. Her kindness, confidence, and dedication made an immeasurable difference in one of the hardest moments of our lives. She is truly deserving of this recognition